Pimento Cheese Bites with Cream of Tomato Dip

A Southern Comfort Food with a Hollywood Twist: Pimento Cheese Bites and Cream of Tomato Dip

My life has taken some unexpected turns. Who would have thought that a simple love of cooking would lead me from the bustling kitchens of Hollywood catering events to sharing my recipes with you? I’ve catered for movie stars, music icons, and even the occasional politician, but some of my fondest memories are from smaller gatherings, filled with laughter and the comforting aromas of home-cooked food.

One such memory is vividly etched in my mind: the Christmas party I catered for Billy Bob Thornton. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, surrounded by fellow chefs prepping for a large crowd, Billy surprised us all. He wasn't just a guest, but a participant, whipping up a batch of his own special pimento cheese sandwiches. It wasn't your average recipe; it had a unique, subtly savory twist, thanks to the addition of soy. The creamy, tangy goodness of that pimento cheese, made with his own personal touch, was simply unforgettable. It was a testament to the simple yet powerful magic of homemade food.

The following summer, I catered Billy's birthday. This time, I decided to elevate the pimento cheese, transforming it from a simple sandwich filling into a sophisticated appetizer. My talented friend, Sergio Gomez, suggested serving it with a delightful cream of tomato dip. It was a stroke of genius! The rich, creamy dip perfectly complemented the sharp, tangy pimento cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

It was then that I truly appreciated the significance of pimento cheese in Southern cuisine. I remember Emeril Lagasse once saying on his show that offering pimento cheese to a guest in the South is a special gesture. It's a tradition, a symbol of Southern hospitality, a culinary embodiment of warmth and welcome. It was an honor to share in that tradition, preparing a dish that held such significance for Billy and for Southern culture.

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a slice of my life, a reminder of unexpected friendships and culinary adventures. Whether you're hosting a lavish Hollywood party or a cozy gathering with friends, these Pimento Cheese Bites with Cream of Tomato Dip are sure to impress. The creamy, dreamy dip, easily adjustable to your taste, can even be transformed into a comforting soup, perfect for a chilly evening. The bites themselves are a simple yet elegant appetizer – a delightful combination of classic flavors with a hint of unexpected sophistication.

These aren't just appetizers; they're tiny edible stories, each bite carrying the warmth of shared moments and the taste of genuine connection. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and create some delicious memories of your own.

And remember, the beauty of cooking lies not only in the final product, but in the journey, the laughter, and the sharing of the food—and the stories—with those you love. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• To make the dip, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a 4-quart soup pot. Add the onions and shallots, and sauté until softened and clear, about 8 minutes.
• Add the salt, tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, broth, bay leaf, basil, and thyme. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
• Mix the rice flour with the soymilk and the soy creamer. Whisk into the tomato mixture and simmer 5 minutes more. Remove the bay leaf.
• Puree the dip in 2 batches in a blender until smooth and creamy. At this point, taste the soup. If you think it needs to be sweeter, add the sugar, then season to taste with freshly ground pepper.
• To make the Pimento Cheese Bites, mix the cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, pimento, olives, salt, pepper, and red pepper sauce in a small bowl.
• Divide equally among 3 slices of the bread and top with the remaining bread slices.
• Heat a 10- or 12-inch non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with the cooking spray. If you're not watching your fat grams, add a tablespoon of the nonhydrogenated soy spread to the pan.
• Cook the sandwiches on each side until browned and cheese has melted. Add more spray or soy spread as you go along.
• Cut into quarters and serve with the dip.